In the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the eagle is often the symbol of love. In my mural, I wanted love to be the central focus. There is a face that looks out towards the observer to Invite a personal connection and grounding the piece in our unified diversity. We gather in the spirit of love, accepting each other as we are and encouraging each other to grow in our own unique ways.

 

Because this is a community mural, you’ll notice several other characters circling the edges and all interconnected. This is intentional. We don’t exist in isolation we’re part of something larger. Each of us is a distinct thread in the same living fabric. And when one of us flourishes authentically, it empowers others to do the same.

 

Imagine a world where we looked at one another through the lens of love. Not fear, not judgement, but love. How different might our headlines be?

 

James Groening, or Blue Sky, is a New Westminster-based Cree artist from Kahkewistahaw Band, Turtle Island. Adopted by his white grandparents during the Sixties Scoop, Groening was raised in a farm community in Plains Cree Territory (otherwise known as Manitoba). Although disconnected from his Kahkewistahaw roots, he retained part of his Indian name, Blue Sky, given by mushom, or grandfather, as a child. After meeting his maternal mother and learning of his heritage, he attributes discovering Coast Salish art forms, specifically, drawing a Haida-style hummingbird that inspired him to pursue a journey of reclaiming his Indigeneity. James currently owns and operates his gallery, Native Art Renaissance Foundation.